Teacher-workshop in Classroom Drama for Primary

On 11th and 12th August'15, the Shift Series conducted a workshop on Classroom Drama.

Drama is a potentially powerful tool for connecting students with learning and content. This fun-filled workshop covered an introduction to some practical exercises for developing expression of the body, mind, voice. It included communication activities like tongue-twisters to engage children in expressive speaking. Quasar, a theatre person, who was resource person for the workshop, highlighted the tools and techniques which could be engaged by teachers in their daily classroom activities to promote concentration and involvement amongst students. During the workshop, games and activities were conducted which involved the employment of imagination of the participants. The purpose was to construct connection within the members of the group; to foster imagination; enhance concentration and verbal discipline as well as non-verbal communication.

Quasar laid great emphasis on how we, as teachers, could practice exercises which would reduce the stress on our vocal chords. Breathing exercises was one such tool taught to enhance verbal communication. The whole session was interactive, fun and lively. I feel such workshops are of great use for our school faculty and am grateful for the opportunity of learning provided.

On my return after the workshop, I was given a chance to replicate the workshop in the primary department on 20th and 24th August.

Taking two sessions with the teachers of primary and ' teaching in place of listening' at a workshop was a delightful experience as it clarified and strengthened many ideas! An education in itself.

Teachers greatly appreciated the techniques and activities I demonstrated, which can easily be incorporated by them in the everyday classroom. The activities can be used to generate self-expression,confidence and reflection in students, honing reflexes and independent thought.

Some of the activities are listed below.

1) Pass the Energy Ball-An imaginary ball is passed around in class using cue words:- Zip implying pass the ball to your left/right; Zap: pass the ball far; Boing: repel the ball. This activity improves concentration, attention, reflexes, verbal and non-verbal communication.

2) What's in a Name? What and why of your name. The child stands in the centre of the circle and justifies his/her name, likes, dislikes etc. This can be used as a tool for self-reflection and deepening the connection with the group as the others get to know you better.

3) Finding your Voice - An exercise in deep-breathing, exercising the diaphragm and feeling the vibration in the rib cage. Helps to determine and control the voice range and place less stress on the vocal chords.

4) Tongue- Twisters- The Tip of The Tongue, The Teeth and The Lips, these help students speak clearly. Ice-breaking activity help to lift the mood.

5) Freeze Frame- a still role-play on a given topic. Helps to foster imagination and break the monotony of the day. It helps to improve non-verbal communication.

6) Number Game- calling out numbers in a pattern eg: 1- your name , 5 - clap , etc - a concentration-building exercise.

7) Toss the Ball- throw your voice by saying 'O'. This is a great breathing exercise.

8) Circle of Concentration- Small denotes a Self-helps focus on the person conducting the activity. Medium refers to the other persons or objects and Large refers to the audience at large- a tool to grab everyone's attention.

Some of the above activities have already been incorporated into our class routines and are being found very useful.

Ms. Steffy Lukose.